Molecular Playground/YKL-40

One of the CBI Molecules being studied in the University of Massachusetts Amherst Chemistry-Biology Interface Program at UMass Amherst and on display at the Molecular Playground.

YKL-40, a Secreted Glycoprotein


YKL-40 is named for its first three amino acid residues--tyrosine, lysine, and leucine-- and its molecular weight, 40 kDa. It is a member of the chitinase family of proteins, although it has no chitinase activity. It has been implicated in the progession of inflammatory diseases, diabetes, and many cancers. It is one of the most up-regulated genes in glioblastoma multiform (GBM), the most common malignacy of the brain and central nervous system. High YKL-40 serum levels correlate with the worst prognosis for many cancers, especially in GBM. It is thought to increase tumor angiogenesis and endothelial cell migration into tumors.

Click here for a stick representation of the ligands bound to YKL-40 (Glycerol, N-ACETYL-D-GLUCOSAMINE, SULFATE ION): Ligand Bound State

Additional Resources
For additional information, see: Diabetes & Hypoglycemia For additional information, see: Cancer